Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman not Charging ?, steering wheel puller, pipe cap

Question
QUESTION: Craftsman not charging

John, I own a Craftsman 30” mid-engine rider (536.270280). It’s a Murray. It appears the charging system is not charging the battery. On a previous answer you mentioned to someone that the stator might have stopped working. If Looking  at the manual is the stator also described as the “ alternator “ or is it the “Armature-magneto”? Is this something I can replace myself by removing the engine cover? As you can determine I don’t know much about these systems but will really appreciate any information you can provide. Thank you.

Herb.


ANSWER: Hello Herb:

The Armature/Magneto is the Coil. It Fires the Plug. To Replace the Stator/Alternator; Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover). Remove the Flywheel Nut or Starter Cup (Depends on the Model). Now Attach a Steering Wheel Puller to the Flywheel Using the Threaded Holes in the Flywheel. Tighten the Puller. Now Hit the Puller with a Hammer. Repeat this Procedure Until the Flywheel Pops Up or can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. On Some Models you Can Not Use a Puller and Must Use a Pry Bar and a Pipe Cap that is Slightly Larger than the Crankshaft. Place the Pipe Cap Over the Crankshaft to Protect it. Place the Pry Bar Under the Thick Section of the Flywheel and Pull Up Against the Flywheel. **BE CAREFUL  DO NOT PUT A HOLE IN THE BLOCK UNDER THE FLYWHEEL** Now Hit the Pipe Cap that is on the Crankshaft (covered with the Pipe Cap). You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM and Enter the Model and Type Numbers (28R707-1120). Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Engine you Wish to View. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: John thanks for the quick response. I will not use questions allotment to say thanks since it will prevent others from seeking help by using the 10 daily allowed but I am very appreciative of your help.. I did have another question. The electrical schematic shows a diode in the output of the alternator. Is the diode inside the flywheel,i.e. requires removal to check/replace ? I could not find it. Again thank you so much for your help, your time and your dedication to help others. best Regards...........herb

Answer
Hello Again Herb:

You can Write Comments Using the Comments and Ratings Section and this Does Not Count Towards my 10 Questions. Thanks for the Good Words too. Usually the Diode is an Internal Part of the Stator/Alternator. Thanks Again. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John